CD: Dave Gahan, Hourglass

# Depeche Mode

# Pop and rock

Going straight works wonders for Depeche Mode frontman

Maybe if Depeche Mode's singer had always written songs, he wouldn't have had time to take all the drugs in the universe. Because this second solo album sees the cleaned-up 45-year-old finally become the synth-goth songwriting equal of Mode mainman Martin L Gore. 'Single Kingdom' - a majestic Gary Numan throwback - sets the tone, and even though Gahan's lyrics stick to well-worn sin and redemption themes, his voice has become a surprisingly varied instrument. This kind of electro-glam was acceptable in the Eighties, and Hourglass proves that it still is.

Contributor

Garry Mulholland

The GuardianTramp

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